Anderson wants ‘quiet’ England team to get loud ahead of New Zealand Tests

James Anderson will encourage a vibrant and opinionated England dressing-room as he continues his role as Joe Root’s vice-captain.

England announced on Tuesday that Anderson, Root’s deputy in Ben Stokes’ absence for this winter’s Ashes, will take on the same responsibility for two Tests against New Zealand.

Stokes was unavailable for the 4-0 defeat in Australia, while he waited to discover if he would be charged over a late-night fracas outside a Bristol bar last September.

He is back in the ranks after indicating a not-guilty plea to a charge of affray at Bristol Magistrates Court last month – but the day after Stokes’ trial date was set for August 6, a direct clash with next summer’s showpiece Lord’s Test against India, England announced Anderson will remain as vice-captain.

The evergreen seamer insists the extra responsibility changes little about his demeanour – because he embraces leadership duties in any case.

First test: 22 May 2003 v Zimbabwe

Taken 523 wickets in 134 Test matches at an average of 27.4

Has taken 25 five-wicket hauls in Test cricket

Took his 500th Test wicket against the West Indies at Lord's in September 2017

Nonetheless, in his current guise, he hopes to hear more “chirp” from the youngsters in a ‘quiet team’.

Asked if he enjoyed his experience in Australia, Anderson confirmed he did – although standing in when Root was laid low by a nasty bug on the final day in Sydney was not necessarily top of his wish-list.

“Until that last day when he was ill, yes!” he said, adding he will worry about stepping directly into Root’s shoes again only if he has to.

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